“The great masters of polyphony are even greater when they base themselves upon Gregorian chant, mining it for themes, modes, and rhythmic variations,” writes Monsignor Valentino Miserachs, composer and president of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. “This spirit, imbuing their refined technique and this faithful adherence to the sacred text and the liturgical moment, made Palestrina, Lasso, Victoria, Guerrero, Morales, and others great.” Helping Miserachs to preserve and advance this great lineage of sacred music are this disc’s singers and organist, who perform selections from his Mass, Magnificat in Sol, Preludietto, and more.

Focusing on composers from Italy and those inspired by them, Milan’s Sarx Records brings to the discriminating listener digitally remastered recordings of compositions by masters such as Mozart, Palestrina, Respighi, and J.C. Bach as well as noteworthy rarities by Rossini, Scarlatti, Krebs, and more. Their scholarly liner notes illuminate the works from a musical, cultural, and historical perspective. At these modest prices, Sarx’s catalogue—replete with gratifying discoveries—is well worth exploring.